Refreshingly hands-on

David Hill

David has held a number of senior positions across the globe, both in advisory and executive roles. He learnt the art of candid advice in New York whilst a Partner at PwC.

He has considerable hands-on operational experience too, having led a successful turnaround at ELIXIA, one of Europe’s leading health and fitness operators. He is passionate about sharing his experience and working with teams to help businesses grow.

So if you need a sounding board, a mentor or just someone to work with to get the business moving forward, David would be delighted to talk to you.

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Mark Farrer-Brown

Mark has helped more than 20 businesses grow over 15 years, creating impressive returns for investors and management teams across a wide range of consumer businesses.

Having always invested his own money in each opportunity, Mark is a hands-on investor and enjoys providing input on both strategic and operational matters.

His specialist subject is Food and Restaurants. He has had tremendous success investing in the Giraffe, Patisserie Valerie and Strada restaurant chains.

If you are looking to build a restaurant business, there are few better qualified to talk to.

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Quotes
  • Tested new wood fired pizza concept, Strada, in 2002
  • Successful pilot leads to fast roll out and opening of 26 sites in 2 years
  • Business sold alongside upmarket restaurants (The Ivy, JS Sheekey and Le Caprice) in 2005 resulting in very high return for management and investors
  • www.strada.co.uk
Quotes
  • Invested in this all-day restaurant concept in 2004 when the business had 7 sites
  • Opened hugely profitable London flagship store in 2005
  • National roll out of sites begins in 2007
  • 43rd site opened in new Westfield Stratford City overlooking Olympic stadium
  • www.giraffe.net
Quotes
  • Acquired Patisserie Valerie chain in 2006 when it had 8 sites
  • National roll out begins in 2007
  • Acquired 2 further brands - Druckers Vienna Patisserie and Baker & Spice
  • Business opens its 60th site in 2011 making it the UK's largest patisserie chain
  • Business opening over 10 sites each year
  • www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk